StarAngel's Reviews

Book – Unlike Any Other (Unexpected #1)

Author – Claudia Y. Burgoa

Publication Date – March 5, 2015
Genre –Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

AJ 

The name AJ Colthurst may not have any meaning to the public eye, but it should, as I’m the daughter of two famous celebrities. Like any superstar, they crave privacy; so much of it, they built a house in the middle of nowhere for us children. As we grew older, we discovered the lies they built as a fort to protect us from the media, ended up causing emotional damage along the way.

I carry a portion of the guilt on my shoulders; the other part I discovered is the separation of my parents. Their unorthodox ways may have driven me bonkers, but knowing they are no longer together is unacceptable. 

That’s why I decided to rattle their cage by reminding at least one of my parents of the past and the reason they belong together. They need to remember why their love is so perfect and why they have to fight to keep it alive. Even if it means I have to dredge up some of my own painful memories along the way.

Gabe 

Back in the early eighties, I set myself to succeed in the financial world. The first step had been moving to New York City to become a stockbroker, but things didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Instead, I ended up making movies and by the end of the decade, Gabe Colt had become a famous name. The downside to my career of choice: the paparazzi. In order to protect my family and our privacy, I maintained my family away from the circus. It had been for their own good; a decision we had made before we started our family. 

However, those past decisions ended up chasing my entire family away and now I’m trying to put the pieces back together along with my little girl.

My Thoughts - Story
I have to start off stating that this may be a biased opinion since Claudia is a very close friend and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this baby born and grow. Now, putting all that aside – I can’t even find the words to express how much this book affected me.

Why?

*There is a hidden gem that I never saw coming – definitely had that OH SHIT moment!

*I cried and choked up a few times – it affected me deeply

*I hated characters but then loved them and then hated them again but then ended up changing my mind throughout the book.

*Every emotion was tested in this book

*I wanted more after reading the last sentence

*These main characters (and some secondary ones) were developed perfectly

The above checklist is mainly what I look for in a book when I debate on how to rate the stars.

How to read this book?

*Go into this blind

*Don’t read spoilers (I know you are tempted)

*Don’t share spoilers (Let others enjoy the OH SHIT moments)

*Open yourself up to your internal “feels”

*Be patient (the beginning may seem slow and cookie cutter but it develops)

Trust me with the above advice…it will make your reading experience so much more delightful and will leave you with a storyline that you will reminisce about for a long time.

Re-Cap
I can’t say much about the story without giving the important parts away and spoiling this for you – so I’m going to try my best.

This is a story about a father and his daughter who are at odds with each other.

AJ, the daughter, thinks her childhood is the reason why she is so screwed up in the present and even though she loves her parents, she has an underlying disappointment with them. Gabe, her father, believes he did what was best in the past for his children by hiding them from the media.

After being estranged from her parents for a few years, AJ sees a front page article about her dad with a 20 something woman who is pregnant – no less with her father’s baby – she freaks.  What happened to the great love between her parents? Why would her father announce this child but never told the public about her and her brothers?

She decides to confront her father, which leads to the two of them sharing the past with each other. We take a journey through the “Great Love Affair” between her parents in the 80’s, and AJ shares with her father her painful past. Through sharing, the two learn that they had made mistakes with each other and their significant others – to feel so much pain opens their hearts to rectify the present.

Along the way we meet the family and friends of these two and also sets the stage for the next book in the series!

This is the story of Gabe’s ultimate love and sets us up for the next book with AJ and her romance!

Reason for Reading – Beta Read with Wendy/Edited
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – AJ – she can be bitchy and uncaring but underneath she is just a hurt/naïve girl

Hero/Personality – Gabe – The Don Johnson of the 80’s – pisses me off but end up loving him.

HEA (Spoiler) - [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Oh yeah!
Recommend To – EVERYONE

Book – Shy Kinda Love

Author – Deanna Eshler

Publication Date – February 4, 2015
Genre –Romance w/suspense
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

When I was eleven, my best friend died in a car accident. When I was twelve, my mom walked out, leaving only a note to say goodbye. When I was eighteen, I was forced into witness protection. 

My new name is Shyanne Adams. To protect myself, and painless existence, I do not live. I do not laugh. I do not love. For the last three years, the only meaningful thing I’ve done is care for the horse I rescued. 

But now, at the age of twenty-one, the one person from both my past and present is pushing me to start living. Before I know it, I’m moving in with new friends who make me laugh. And next door is Kade Cross, the guy who wants me to love. 

Kade knows that I will complicate his life, but he welcomes the challenge. He sees that I’m broken, but he doesn’t try to fix me. When he knows I’m trying to push him away, he braces for the impact. 

What Kade doesn’t know is that I could have to relocate at any time. So I have to decide: is experiencing love for a short time worth the pain of losing it? 
This New Adult Romance is an emotional journey through pain and healing as Shyanne decides to start living again, but never forgetting she could lose this life… just like her last one. 

My Thoughts - Story
What a beautiful love story along with a story about a girl just breaking out of her shell of protection. Shy is put in such a bad predicament but with the help of a few friends she meets along the way – she is able to learn to live and eventually love.

Not only did the author do a great job at developing the main characters but she also was able to do the same with the secondary ones. I found it so easy to fall in love with all the characters and even though I did feel that some of the story was a bit unbelievable, it was easy to look past because of the author’s writing and storytelling.

Now, let me set you up for the last 25% of this book…hold on and get ready for such an emotional time…I sobbed and just when I was ready to breathe a sigh of relief…I was crying again!

Re-Cap
Shy has had such a shitty childhood but finally gets a break to get away from it all. Ryder is her savior and pushes her to get out of her shell and open up to new people and act like her 21 years of age. One night she connects with a pair of girls who envelop her in their lives in college. With hunky guys living across the hall and a nerdy boy who pushes Shy to open up – she finally lets go and lives and loves.

Only to have her life crash down around her again…questioning if it was all worth it.

Reason for Reading – Author Request/Promo Stars Tour
Story – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Shy – can be bitchy and annoying at times but she has her reasons

Hero/Personality – Kade – patient and swoon worthy but has a few moments I want to smack him upside his head
HEA (Spoiler) - [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – readers who can get sucked into a story and want the many “feels”

Book – When the Chips are Down (Three of a Kind #1)

Author – Beth Rinyu

Publication Date – March 20, 2015
Genre – Humor/Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Melanie Hanson's life didn't go quite the way she had planned. Her cheating ex-husband traded her in for a newer model and she’s in over her head dealing with the drama that comes along with raising her twin teenage daughters.

The last thing she is looking for or needs in her life is a man - or is it?

Ben Wilder is the boy that Melanie loved to hate throughout high school, the boy that all the girls loved and the boy that didn't give Melanie the time of day, unless it was to tease her. When she runs into him once again she realizes...he’s not a boy anymore. Older and wiser, she’s determined not to fall for her secret crush from all those years ago. But sometimes our heart has different plans than our head. Will she finally get her happily ever after with the man she least expected to have it with?

Take a humorous journey with Melanie and her daughters as their lives begin to parallel and they discover that although they may be separated by a generation their struggles are still the same.


*Book 1 of The Three Of A Kind Series 

My Thoughts - Story
I first have to compliment Ms. Rinyu of her talent with weaving 3 different POV’s which all center around one main story. The book was fast paced with each story constantly keeping you on your toes and the humor was so true to life that I felt like I was raising my teens all over again!  You will connect with these characters and want to know more by the time you get to the last page. This was such an enjoyable book and I can’t wait until the next book in this series is released.

I loved how Ms. Rinyu took some pretty heavy teenage angst and without fights or violence – progressed the story to better things using responsible, mature ways to handle it along with a bit of humor.

The one word I would use to describe this book is Phenomonal!

Re-Cap
Melanie is a single mom of 2 teenage daughters – recently divorced. She is your average mom who would like to remain single for the rest of her life. In walks Ben – Ben was an old high school crush who would tease her and now he is working on her plumbing.

Sparks fly and they both agree that being friends with benefits is the best thing for them…and to keep their special relationship under wraps (especially from her girls). While this is happening…Carrie (her brainy twin daughter) is getting close to Josh (the football player) who is the son of Ben. OH BOY! And Gia (the rebel twin) is being bullied in school and becomes more introverted and friends with the brainy boy in school.

Ben doesn’t want a relationship…Melanie starts to want one – they keep sneaking around and you can just imagine what happens when the shit hits the fan and everyone is exposed!

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Triple POV

POV 1 – Melanie – Awesome – true to life mom!

POV 2 – Gia – the rebel twin who does a complete turnaround (frustrating at first)

POV 3 – Carrie – the “good” daughter who starts to break out of her shell

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Recommend To – Readers who love to laugh while reading and can relate to being a mom to teenage girls

Book – The Hurricane

Author – RJ Prescott
Publication Date – February 16, 2015
Genre – New Adult Romance

Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Emily McCarthy is living in fear of a dark and dangerous past. A gifted mathematician, she is little more than a hollow, broken shell, trying desperately to make ends meet long enough to finish her degree. 

Through an unlikely friendship with the aging, cantankerous owner of an old boxing gym, Em is thrown into the path of the most dangerous man that she has ever met.

Cormac “the Hurricane” O’Connell is cut, tattooed and dangerous. He is a lethal weapon with no safety and everyone is waiting for the mis-fire. He’s never been knocked out before, but when he meet Em he falls, HARD. Unlike any other girl he’s ever met, she doesn’t want anything from him, but just being around her makes him want to be a better person. 

They are polar opposites who were never meant to find each other, but some things are just worth the fight.

My Thoughts - Story
This was such a great story – I found myself wrapped up in it – how Emily fought her past demons to live a full life.  I fell in love with Con and his conviction to protect Em and have her as his. You don’t find many men like Con in his life and he almost resembled a fairy tale character in my mind. 

If you like stories about: boxing, Irishmen, past abuse, comic relief – then this book is for you.  The character development is off the charts how the author portrayed Em coming out of her shell.  The more the author writes about Con, the more you will fall in love with him, but I found myself continually waiting for him to screw up the relationship and hurt Em.

 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour

Story Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Single POV (Em)

Heroine/Personality – Em is a scared, introvert at the beginning but her character shines through by the end

Heroine/Personality – Con is lovable, loyal, romantic and steadfast

HEA (Spoiler) –[spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Yes

Recommend To – Anyone who loves to really get involved with a book and be transported into the story.

Book – Genie

Author – Kitty French
Publication Date – February 26, 2015
Genre – Romance

Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Meet Genie Divine, the wise-cracking London show-girl on a hell-bent mission to save her beloved family theatre.

Now meet Abel Kingdom, the Australian gym mogul determined to buy it out from underneath her. 

On paper they have nothing in common, and when they meet, they have even less. 

The only thing they DO have is chemistry. 
Undeniable, rip-my-clothes-off-and-do-me-now-against-the-wall chemistry. 

Feathers. Lies. Glitter. Secrets. Lust. 

He wants her theatre. She wants him dead. 

The stage is set for an explosive summer… 

My Thoughts - Story
My first thoughts while reading this story is how much I hate Abel…I think that feeling encompassed the whole adventure and found it diverting my enjoyment of Genie a bit. The hated poured out of me toward Abel which you can witness in my status updates.  Especially him being an ass ;-)

Now, to the story – yes, the plot did redeem itself at the end and I was able to melt the ice around my heart for Abel.  I found Genie a strong, independent woman, whose loyalty shone through her personality.

I enjoyed how Ms French developed these characters – yes, I am giving her kudos even for Abel.  As my mother once told me, ‘If you can seriously hate a character and have it affect you that dramatically, that shows the writer is doing their job.’ And that, my dear, Ms. French, is 100% true when it comes to you. You made these characters’ personalities so transparent and believable that at times, I found myself believing they were real.

Re-Cap
Genie is a burlesque performer….Abel HATES strippers.

Genie believes what she does is a form of art….Abel believes she is a whore.

But…they can’t help the desire and lust they feel for each other.

Abel wants to buy the run down theater….Genie wants to save it.

What happens when these two collide?

 
Reason for Reading – Author request

Story Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Genie is headstrong, loyal, independent, strong morals

Heroine/Personality – Abel is an ignorant ass (nuff said)

HEA (Spoiler) –[spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY

Recommend To – Readers who love to read about animosity between two characters who try to fight the desire they feel for each other.

Book – Fire Down Below (Gynazule #1)

Author – Debra Anastasia

Publication Date – February 28, 2015
Genre – Humor/Romance

Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger – Kind of
Rating –5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Dove Glitch is embarrassed about everything above her knees and below her belly button. When she has to fill a delicate, embarrassing prescription the last thing she needs is a sexy-as-hell (and brand spanking new) pharmacist behind the counter. 

Johnson Fitzwell’s first day of his dream career also happens to coincide with the exact moment Dove needs her feminine meds filled. His glorious voice is way too loud–as in, he should be counting down the hits with Ryan Seacrest kind of loud. Thanks to Johnson’s handsome face and gorgeous jaw line, Dove dives headlong into her waking nightmare and asks for a vagina-scented cream. 

How could she not fall for him? Dove's only active goal now is to get Johnson to kiss her right on the lips. Either set. However, his horrible girlfriend is one of many obstacles preventing her from making that fantasy a reality. When Dove defends Johnson in the most unhygienic, unconventionally gross way in the middle of a crowded restaurant, their tender, slightly tantric relationship is of to a galloping, farting start. 

Each print copy of this book will be dipped in holy water by my mom, and glared at by my father as he purses his lips. Neither will help. So, drop your pants and turn to the left and cough. I hope you're not allergic to latex, because it’s time to fill your prescription. Anally.

My Thoughts - Story
My first thoughts when finishing this story was:

♦♦♦ 5 Poopilicious-Yeasty-Assalanche Stars ♦♦♦

I wanted to die last night when I read the last paragraph....NOOOOOOO Debra!! I so hate you now. 

You are a drug which my body craves - this book is ME 

Yes, I admit - I am Dove - I am the sharting, klutzy, sex starved embarrassment to woman-kind everywhere. I can fart with the best of them and can't seem to find my filter when it comes to relating everything in life to bodily functions or sex.

I love you Debra for making yesterday one of the funniest days of my life. ♥

Full review to come once I can make sense of this trash!

Now that I have had time to contemplate this utter nutter butter shit…I realize that I would rate it more than 5 sharting stars if I could. This is definitely not what you expect from Ms. Anastasia if you read her Poughkeepsie series. Honestly though, the both do have something in common.  I cried while reading both…Poughkeepsie with tears of sadness and Fire Down Below with tears of laughter. The only thing that keeps going through my head is that Ms. Anastasia is a very diversified author. She blows each genre she writes about out of the water!

I had a blast reading this and I am going to leave you with some parting thoughts…

…Don’t read at work (if you are sneaking this)

…Wear a panty-liner or adult diapers

…Don’t take a sip of a beverage while reading. Take a break and remove your eyes from the words!

…Don’t read if you are gassy – you may just get a surprise.

...Wear waterproof mascara

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars

HEA (Spoiler) – Not going to tell

Book – My Wolf Fighter (Wolf Town Guardians #4)

Author – Rose Wynters

Publication Date – August 19, 2014
Genre – Paranormal Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating –4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Book Four in the Bestselling Paranormal Romance Series Wolf Town Guardians 

Release Date: 8/19/14 

Born to walk this world as both wolf and human, these men take their role as protectors very seriously. Enjoying sensual pleasures as they please, this group of alpha werewolves are the finest when it comes to protecting their hidden settlement. 
Guardians are the masters of self-control, taking pride in their authority and hard, muscled bodies. That all changes at the first scent of their mates. Their control snaps. The mating heat begins. 
This is their stories. 

Born in the 1500's, Ryker has spent several lifetimes as a Wolf Town Guardian. He's been in and out of countless beds in the pursuit of sexual gratification, but he's all but given up on ever finding his mate. When the King of Wolf Town asks him to be his second in an upcoming challenge for his right to rule, Ryker has no qualms about agreeing. He has nothing left to lose, and he certainly has nothing left to live for... or so he thinks. 

Fate knows differently. Ryker meets Amanda, and she captivates him with her big blue eyes, curvy body, and fragile air. Although she's not his mate, he's consumed with the need to have her. And with the upcoming challenge hanging over his head, Ryker is running out of time to seduce her. 

But Amanda is harboring secrets of her own. Her life is hanging in the balance, and she's up against an unbeatable foe. It's the biggest fight of her life, and she has zero chance of surviving. She has to experience his sensual embrace... before it's too late. 

My Thoughts - Story
Shit…what a heart-felt story. I cried – I bawled my eyes out and I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters. Amanda broke my heart – such a selfless character and Ryker – the feelings he had for her.

It’s been such a long time that I picked up a book about werewolves and I was so pleasantly surprised that the storyline wasn’t saturated by the paranormal aspect.

This was gripping – you know, I can’t even put into words how this author took a subject and kneaded it into a captivating, thought provoking, emotional story. I can’t do this book justice and the only thing I can say is to pick this up if you are looking for a tear jerker/feel good story.

The only complaint I have with the book is the ending…I didn’t like how the last chapter abruptly ended and then the epilogue started. I would have liked the story to go on to tie up the loose ends.

Re-Cap
Amanda is in a bad relationship and her life is falling down all around her. That is until she meets her knight in shining armor who notices something different in her and decides to help. Ryker wants to save her but ends up falling in love with her. She brings life back into his dull centuries of life, he is searching for his mate and can’t understand his attraction to Amanda when he can’t sense her as a mate.

Read how these two connect on so many levels – Just pick up this book and experience the same emotions I did.

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Book – Seeing Stars

Author – Ellie Potts

Publication Date – July 28, 2014
Genre – Romance

Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating –4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Can one secret stop two broken hearts from mending?

Alisa, bank clerk by day-self published writer by night, gets a phone call that will change her life. Hollywood wants to make one of her books into a movie. The news comes on the day she starts vacation, excited, she leaves work early to surprise her husband. To her surprise he is already home, and well even more surprising he is sexing up the neighbor in their bed.

Heartbroken and angry she makes a decision to head off to Hollywood on her own. Before the meeting she meets her TV crush Logan Rider. Logan has not only read her book Portals, but he wants to direct the movie. The offer is almost too good to be true! Alisa is thrown into a whirlwind of Hollywood as she sees stars, learns the movie business, and uncovers a few secrets. Secrets that prove actors are just as flawed as regular people. But there is one secret that can destroy Logan’s career. Will Logan be devoured by this secret, or can he find the strength to conquer it with Alisa’s help?

My Thoughts - Story
This story was definitely a quick and cute read. Not much angst and Logan is a perfect knight in shining armor. He was perfect in every way and the author did a great job in relaying this.

The author also did a great job in developing Alisa – a normal wife from the start thrown into Hollywood, Logan and his friends help her to grow some kahunas and go after what she wants. A divorce, a fascinating relationship and a great future with her career. Her self-esteem grows and we watch Alisa grow mentally and psychologically.

Re-Cap
Alisa comes home one day and finds her husband in bed with the widowed neighbor just after finding out that her book is going to the screen in Hollywood. She packs everything up and takes off to LA – only to find out the hunky director is going to be the Luscious Logan of her favorite TV show.

They start as friends and co-workers but the attraction grows and things start to heat up but in a clean, fresh way! Yes, they have their obstacles they must overcome but overall this is an angst-free love story that will make you feel good.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler] 

Book – Inappropriate (Bristol Island #2)

Author – Elizabeth Finn

Publication Date – February 22, 2015
Genre – Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating –4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Cohen is a man apart on Bristol Island—an outcast loved by all but separated by his position within the community. Dylan is the newest resident in town, but she arrives with a dark secret and a desire to keep it buried.

But when burning attraction is thrown into the mix, his job and her secrets are quickly forgotten—that is until one impetuous decision renders a relationship off-limits, unethical, and utterly inappropriate.

Living next door to one another on the island’s isolated peninsula guarantees their paths will cross time and time again. With fate tempting Cohen to ignore his conscience and, for the first time in his life, gamble with the rules, will he risk everything for Dylan?

And what happens when Dylan’s past suddenly catches up to her? Will she find the strength to bare her soul to him? Or will she let her secrets take them both down?

Sometimes the inappropriate relationship is the most appropriate of them all. 

My Thoughts - Story
So, when I first finished this book, I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars but the more I thought about it and let the shock factor sink in – I have now decided to up the ante to 4.5.  Not just because I got used to the “Inappropriateness” of it, but because of that – it was original – it was unique and it was memorable.

I still can’t stop thinking about what transpired between Dylan and Cohen – shit – this book really makes you think.

I absolutely loved this relationship…how they were immediately attracted to one another but one simple wrong decision makes going any further impossible.  How they decide to be friends but can’t stop the chemistry and the desire from overtaking their relationship. How the love they feel for each other is much more important than the past and anything else.

Ms. Finn does it time and time again, writing winners – making the reader feel what the characters do and the ability she has to develop her characters throughout the story is amazing! Never has she disappointed me in her story telling or her plots.

Re-Cap
Dylan is an erotica author who is running away from a mistake in her past. Cohen is her neighbor and the revered all American boy of the island.  These two instantly are attracted to one another but then Dylan makes a decision that can jeopardize Cohen’s career if they even so much as cross that friendship line.  Read how these two try their hardest to keep their relationship platonic and how secrets can come back and haunt them.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Dylan – she stole my heart but had her moments of stupidity

Hero/Personality – Cohen – swoon-worthy but he pissed me off at times with his anger
HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY
Recommend To – readers who like to read a maturing relationship with some blips along the way

Book – Normal

Author – Graeme Cameron

Publication Date – March 31, 2015
Genre – Psychological Thriller

Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – Kind of…it’s up to you
Rating – 4 to 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

This is a love story. No, really.

He lives in your community, in a nice house with a well-tended garden. He shops in your grocery store, bumping shoulders with you as you pass him and apologizing with a smile. He drives beside you on the highway, politely waving to let you into the lane ahead of him. 

What you don't know is that he has an elaborate cage built into a secret basement under his garage. And the food that he's carefully shopping for is to feed a young woman he's holding there against her will--one in a string of many, unaware of the fate that awaits her.

This is how it's been for a long time. It's normal...and it works. Perfectly.

Then he meets the checkout girl from the 24-hour grocery. And now the plan, the hunts, the room...the others. He doesn't need any of them anymore. He needs only her. One small problem--he still has someone trapped in his garage.

Discovering his humanity couldn't have come at a worse time.

My Thoughts - Story
I first have to have a short rant about how the nameless anti-hero (or hero in my book) gets the short end of the stick. I always seem to fall in love with the underdog and get frustrated when they lose. OK – so I’m done with that (this is the reason for a ½ star being deducted)

I do have bow before this author and explain how clever this story was in which you take a serial killer and start to relate and root for him to win in the end. I found myself actually feeling bad and hating everyone else in the story because of hindering our hero to find his true love.

My heart broke for him… I cried – I cursed – I imagined horrible things happening to the bad guys (cops) – I laughed (yes there are such funny spots) – and most important – I related and lived!

Re-Cap
Our nameless serial killer is a mastermind when it comes to acquiring girls and keeping them captive in his basement. He is a genius when it comes to hiding his kills except – except for when it comes to that little beauty in the grocery store. She captures his heart and no more does his mind want to torture and kill. But what can he do now with a prisoner in his basement and the cops breathing down his neck?

Reason for Reading – Net Galley
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – One POV

Heroine/Personality – N/A

Hero/Personality – Nameless Serial Killer – I want him to be my husband ♥
HEA (Spoiler) – This can’t be spoiled because the ending is left open
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – readers who love to feel while reading dark thrillers

Book – Redemption Lane (Crossroads #1)

Author – Rachel Blaufeld

Publication Date – February 19, 2015
Genre –Romance/Addiction

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Sometimes the past bleeds into the future.

Bess, a wild party girl running from herself, literally falls victim to her demons when she collapses in the most unexpected of places.
Lane, a tightly wound, up-and-coming CEO who can’t seem to stop enabling his brother, doesn’t know what hit him when Bess falls at his feet and into his life.

It was a night she doesn’t remember, and one he can’t forget. 

But rather than stay and help the needy college coed, Lane decides to teach his brother a long overdue lesson––a decision that later comes back to haunt him and only adds fury to the transgressions of his past he is already fleeing from. 
Years later, Bess and Lane meet again. She doesn’t know him, and he doesn’t share that he knows what happened on that ill-fated night when she almost died. After all, he has a web of complicated lies from his own youth to protect.

Both are seeking salvation in the arms of others and ignoring the truth—that the only road to redemption lies in confronting your past.

When the past and present collide, is there any chance at redemption?

My Thoughts - Story
I originally rated this a 3.5 stars but then the more I thought about it…the more the story stayed with me and I just had to up the number of stars.

This isn’t a book that will grab you from the beginning, this is a book that grows on you – it slowly unfolds as we take a journey through one girl’s addictions and her struggle to hold on to her sobriety. Along with that she must learn to live and love – and make choices to benefit her future.

As I read this story…it touched a part of my personal life living with an alcoholic and children who are struggling every day to stay sober. NA meetings, sponsors and everyday obstacles are a part of my life. I put my daughter in Bess’ shoes and prayed that her life could mirror the heroine’s.

I think that is what grabbed me from the moment I picked up this book and I easily could relate with Bess. The book didn’t just center around her addiction but it was a big factor with everything else going on. Yes, there were times that the story got slow and I found myself skimming but overall it was a deep and meaningful read.

Re-Cap
Bess is a recovering addict who feels isolation and hard work keep her sober, until one day a stranger (to her) shows up in her life. This stranger is wealthy, drop dead gorgeous and has a secret. Bess is overcome with desire for him and vice versa but this isn’t a happy, easy go lucky relationship. Lane and Bess must deal with obstacles such as: past demons, sobriety, secrets, long distance, and lies. Not to mention a problem with a certain “ex” who can’t let Bess go.

Read about how these two learn to open up and let go of the past.

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  3.75 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Bess – very troubled but strong (could be frustrating at times)

Hero/Personality – Lane – frustrating by the secrets he bottles inside
HEA (Spoiler) - [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – readers who love angst and real to life stories

Book – Shattered (Stolen Breaths #2)

Author – Pamela Sparkman

Publication Date – October 14, 2014
Genre –Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Close your eyes for a moment and picture this. 
A gorgeous redhead walks into a bar. 
No, wait, a wedding reception. 
A gorgeous redhead walks into a wedding reception. Poised, polished and flawless - on the outside. 
He's tall, dark, and handsome, exactly like a fairytale prince and he won't take no for an answer as he leads her to the dance floor. 

But this will be no ordinary dance and theirs is no ordinary story. What begins as rhythmic steps on a dance floor fluidly and beautifully becomes the rhythm of two hearts meant to beat as one. 

Until the music stops. 

In a moment everything she's put behind her comes crashing down, threatening to destroy what his love has helped repair and rebuild. 
Life throws punches and it hits hard when you least expect it. 
What they learn is that sometimes, in order to be truly whole, you have to first be shattered to your very core.

My Thoughts - Story
Holy Hell how I loved Joe…he was the epitome of a perfect man in this story. He was funny, swoon worthy and oh so lovable. Out of this book – I found myself chuckling with all the corny jokes he came up with. There was one that will forever be burned into my brain that I have shared with all my close family and friends. Let’s just say that it has to do with seagulls.

This was a cute love story and such an easy and quick read. The characters are easy to relate to and developed nicely through the story. They didn’t frustrate me nor did they bore me – that along with the story line!

Being my first book by Ms. Sparkman, I was floored with how she relates a story in her writing. This wasn’t over the top nor full of steamy, hot sex. Instead, we are pulled into a sweet romance between a boy and girl that is served on a silver platter. That being said, I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book between Hayden and Beth.

I have to shelf this as my “Aww sweet” book.

Re-Cap
This is the love story between Joe and Maggie – a long distance relationship that has its ups and downs. Brought together by Cooper and Lily’s wedding (read about their love story in Stolen Breaths). It wasn’t love at first sight, this is a friendship that blossoms over time. Maggie struggles with past demons and with the help of Joe their bond grows into a solid love.

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  3.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Maggie – loved her, easy to relate with, down to earth

Hero/Personality – Joe – absolutely loved his personality and depth of love
HEA (Spoiler) - [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – anyone who loves a developing relationship built from friendship

Book – Beneath This Ink (Beneath #2)

Author – Meghan March

Publication Date – February 12, 2015
Genre –Romance w/a mystery
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 3.5 to 3.75 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her.

And then I finally had her for one night.

A night I don’t remember.

I figured I’d blown my shot.

But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance.

Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?

My Thoughts - Story
There were so many things about this book, I enjoyed. I loved how the author incorporated a mystery within a romance.  I also was so surprised I didn’t guess who the “bad guy” ended up to be. Now that more than anything else through me for a loop. I enjoyed the characters when we got further into the story.

At first, I honestly thought I wasn’t going to like the characters, especially Vanessa. She annoyed me at first with her “so-called” problems but she redeemed herself in no time and was easy to connect with.

Re-Cap
Vanessa needs a piece of land – Con has this land.

Vanessa is a rich socialite – Con is a tattooed bad boy.

They had one night in a drunken stupor and Vanessa ran away.

Con doesn’t do relationships and Vanessa needs to marry the right man to take over the family business.

What happens when Con makes a deal for Vanessa to get this land?

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour
Story – 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Vanessa/Van – annoying at first but redeemed herself

Hero/Personality – Constatine/Con – panty melting sexy caveman
HEA (Spoiler) - <spoiler>Yes</spoiler>
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – readers who love a good romance between a bad boy and a good girl with a bit of a mystery entwined around it.

Book – All the Rage

Author – Courtney Summers

Publication Date – April 14, 2015
Genre – Young Adult/Abuse
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

The sheriff’s son, Kellan Turner, is not the golden boy everyone thinks he is, and Romy Grey knows that for a fact. Because no one wants to believe a girl from the wrong side of town, the truth about him has cost her everything—friends, family, and her community. Branded a liar and bullied relentlessly by a group of kids she used to hang out with, Romy’s only refuge is the diner where she works outside of town. No one knows her name or her past there; she can finally be anonymous. But when a girl with ties to both Romy and Kellan goes missing after a party, and news of him assaulting another girl in a town close by gets out, Romy must decide whether she wants to fight or carry the burden of knowing more girls could get hurt if she doesn’t speak up. Nobody believed her the first time—and they certainly won’t now — but the cost of her silence might be more than she can bear.　

With a shocking conclusion and writing that will absolutely knock you out, All the Rage examines the shame and silence inflicted upon young women after an act of sexual violence, forcing us to ask ourselves: In a culture that refuses to protect its young girls, how can they survive?

My Thoughts - Story
This was such a tough book to get through because it was deep and it was brutal. I don’t know how many times I found my heart-rate skyrocketing and my anger building.  The one thing I hate in this world more than anything else are bullies. 

My heart bled for Romy throughout this book and I connected with her – I couldn’t understand why she constantly put herself back out there for more torture.  I was pissed at the town, pissed at the teachers, pissed at everyone for not believing her and making her a product of ridicule and an outcast.

I wanted to take this poor girl and save her from all the cruelties she went through in this story.  But you know what…I live by: What comes around…goes around!

This book made me feel…they may not have been happy ones…but I felt just the same!

Re-Cap
Romy is constantly picked on – hurt – made to feel like an outcast because of saying the sheriff’s son raped her. No MEANS NO! Live through Romy’s eyes as she deals with old friends who want nothing more than to rid the world of her – live through her existence alone except for her job in the next town where no one knows her.

It isn’t until Romy’s ex best friend goes missing that everything comes to a head in this town and the truth just might set her free.

Reason for Reading – NetGalley Request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  N/A
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 4 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Single POV

Heroine/Personality – Romy – see above

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Sorry…can’t give this away[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? Maybe
Recommend To – anyone who wants to experience anger and frustration toward others.

Book – The Hysterics

Author – Kristen Hope Mazzola

Publication Date – January 29, 2015
Genre – New Adult Rocker Romance
Type – Stand-Alone…or maybe not!
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.25 - 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Once upon a time, I was Fallon Dunbar.

Rock and roll, drugs, and bad decisions were the life I lived.

I’d fallen so deep into the dark rabbit hole that I was certain I would never make it out alive. People like me didn’t get second chances. People like me didn’t get lifted from the darkness. So when the opportunity showed up, I had to take it.
I walked away from everything I loved, everything that was killing me, and I became Fae Dunham. After that, I hid behind makeup, long sleeves, and a closed-off heart.

All was well until I met Dane Pearson. He wasn’t convinced of the new me, and whenever he was near, I felt like the old me, the real me, filled with passion and a love for music. Every day was a struggle of self-discovery. Every day was a fight to not fall back down the rabbit hole. And every day, somehow, someway, I slowly began to discover what it meant to find myself.

It was a hysteric ride, but it was ours. And I wouldn’t change a thing.​ 

My Thoughts - Story
I am a big fan of Ms. Mazzola after reading her Crashing Series and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this one…it seemed like it belonged on the other end of the spectrum with rockers, drugs and angst…but I gave it a try.  And, damn, I am so happy that I did. 

This was different – it took the Rocker genre and switched it up – it was the girl who was a famous star…a famous drummer who turned to drugs and alcohol and mindless sex.  It was perfect how Ms. Mazzola twisted the plot to write a story about a girl who changed her life around and found love in the process.  And who does she find this love with?  Another rocker who is on the ladder to success.  He teaches her how to be in the spotlight again without giving her true self up.

This was a happy read compared to the heart wrenching stories of Ms. Mazzola’s books I have read prior. I enjoyed reading about the struggles Fallon faced and how she kept her strength to find love.

Re-Cap
Fallon was a popular punk drummer until one night when drugs almost took her life.  Well, the rest of the world thinks she is dead but instead out of the ashes, Fae emerges – no more bands, no more drums and no more drugs.  Then she meets Dane – the drummer for The Hysterics and he just won’t take NO for an answer. He wants Fae and there is nothing he won’t do to have her, but is he right for her or just another trigger for Fallon’s past?

Reason for Reading – Author request
Story – 4 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4.5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV

Heroine/Personality – Fallon/Fae – strong, independent and worrisome at times

Hero/Personality – Dane – not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve
HEA (Spoiler) - [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]
Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY
Recommend To – anyone who loves romance with a sexy drummer and a story of strength and determination.

Book – Strange Magic : Part One and Two

Author – Michelle Mankin

Publication Date – 1/22/15 (#1) – 2/5/15 (#2)

Genre – Paranormal Rocker Romance
Type – 2 Part Series
Cliffhanger – Yes (1 going into 2)
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Billy Blade is a hardworking, hard living, razor sharp musical force. Mysterious behind his dark shades, the rough around the edges Texan mesmerizes with his haunting harmonica and tantalizes with his dangerous looks and smooth country charm. His latest album is topping the charts. He’s the newly crowned King of the Bacchus Krewe. He’s definitely living the rock star dream.

Exotic Creole beauty Thyme Bellerose couldn't be more content. She has it all. An adoring grandmother. A handsome Tulane medical student beau. A satisfying job in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Her life is as rich as the ice cream she creates. She’s got everything under control.

But control is an illusion. Dreams can turn into nightmares. And now during Mardi Gras, otherworldly powers stand ready to shape their destinies in ways they could never imagine.

Shadow and light. Magic and mystery. Reality and myth. All come together in a place where rules bend and lines blur. Even those between life and death.

Please note: This is Part One of a Two part novel. It does NOT stand alone. 

My Thoughts - Story
This review is combined for both books…

I have to start this off by saying that I am not being biased because of Beta Reading this book, nor that Michelle is such a sweet buddy of mine. She knows that I am honest and I was honest while reading and did have some issues with the first read through.  So enough said about that and let’s get on to the review.

I had no clue when I started reading this that it was going to have so much of a paranormal aspect to it.  But not what you are thinking…this is about ghosts and the other world that exists in ours.  What a great story aspect as it is set in New Orleans and I can’t think of any other place better than NOLA for a story like this to be set.

So Michelle mixes a sexy rocker god with a beautiful paranormal ghost and twists a tale around the two of them. She takes a man who doesn’t believe and converts him to do anything necessary in order to bring Thyme into his existence. Then she takes Thyme who only believed in the one true love of her life and turns her around to give love a second chance with Billy.

I have to say that yeah, I may be partial to Michelle’s books but she nailed this…and mixed these genres up perfectly.

Even if you aren’t a big fan of the paranormal…this one is different – so give it a try.

Re-Cap
Billy is a star with his harmonica – but something strange happens when he plays it.  Something so strange that it doesn’t faze him much when the ghost of Thyme shows up in his new rental.  But who is she and why is the attraction so strong between the two of them?

Set in NOLA during the Mardi Gras…enjoy the magical and mesmerizing aspects of the city while reading a tantalizing romance.

Reason for Reading – Author request/Beta Read
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY
Recommend To – anyone who loves romance with a twist of the paranormal